What is this SuperCoach thing? This is everything you need to know

SuperCoach NRL is Australia's favourite rugby league fantasy game - an internet phenomenon with more than 130,000 players and up to $500,000 in prizes to be won.

If you are new to SuperCoach, here's how it works: You're a real coach, with a salary cap to spend, a team to pick and games to win.

Each of your players receives a weekly score based on their real-life, game-day statistics, earning a total score for your team.

Take on your mates for ultimate bragging rights, and also track your progress against all other SuperCoaches in the hunt for huge weekly and major prizes, including a potential $340,000 Perfect 8 jackpot and $50,000 overall prize.

Registering for SuperCoach is completely free and takes just a few minutes.

* YOU have a $9.4 million salary cap (in line with the actual NRL cap) and 25 players to pick.

* FILL each position, from front row to fullback and everything in between - you'll need four props, six backrowers, seven centre/wings and two each at hooker, halfback, five-eighth and fullback. Remember to save your team as you go.

* HERE'S our first tip - forwards are the most consistent SuperCoach players as they perform the most work. Backs have a higher scoring potential due to attacking stats, but lack consistency as they don't do as much running and tackling.

* IF you're struggling to pick a side, use the auto select feature and we'll pick a team for you.

* CHANGE your initial squad as often as you like until round one starts.

* BEFORE each round, choose a starting 13 and four reserves from your squad of 25. Select one of these players as captain; he earns double points, and a vice captain as back up.

* DURING the season, you have 37 trades to build your side into a SuperCoach powerhouse. Each week you can make up to two trades, except for the brand new "Super" bye round between rounds 15 and 16 where you get five trades.

* KEEP on top of your team management throughout the week - and while on the go - with our fantastic apps available on Apple and Android.

* FOR essential SuperCoach info, sign up for a subcription (FREE for first month). We now have 50 pieces of unique SuperCoach content per week, including expert analysis from our resident guru Tom Sangster, past winners, Roosters great Anthony Minichiello and many more. What's more, we are currently running a special deal where you get the first month of your subscription FREE through our app. The deal also includes SuperCoach Stats (rebrand of SuperCoach Gold) for FREE. So sign up now.